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Minutes
BOARD OF ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW
MINUTES
January 17, 2008
The Board of Architectural Review met in regular session in the Council Room of the Vienna Town Hall, 127 Center Street, South, Vienna, Virginia, with David Lanphear presiding as Chair. The following members were present: Roy Baldwin, Laine Hyde, and Paul Layer. Staff member Linnea E. Fechter, Senior Planner is present. Shirley Damon and Board Clerk, Jennifer Murphy are absent.
ROLL CALL:
Ms. Fechter called roll. Chairwoman Damon is absent. Vice-chair Mr. Lanphear will fill in as chairperson.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Mr. Baldwin stated that on Item No. 2, Vienna Pediatric Dentistry, there had been some discussion of a work session to be held with the applicants. He stated that no mention of that work session is in the minutes. Ms. Fechter stated that she would have Board Clerk, Ms. Murphy review the tape and make any corrections accordingly.
Ms. Hyde made a motion to approve the minutes from the December 20, 2007, meeting subject to staff checking on the item brought up by Mr. Baldwin. Mr. Baldwin seconded the motion.
Motion: Hyde
Second: Baldwin
Carried: 4-0
ITEM NO. 1:
Request for approval of signage for Vienna Podiatry located at 527 Maple Avenue, E, (Docket No. BAR-104-07), in the C-1 Local Commercial zoning district; filed by Steven Stern, of CFS Signs.
Mr. Randy Ryan representing CFS Signs came forward to present. Mr. Ryan stated that they are proposing a front-lit channel letter sign that will include a logo. The building currently has front-lit channel letter signage.
Mr. Baldwin asked about the blue on the building. Mr. Ryan answered that they are going to try to match the blue as close as possible to the existing Provident Bank blue. Mr. Baldwin asked if the applicant thought that the “Vienna” portion would be visible from the street. Mr. Ryan agreed, explaining that their intent is for visibility for patients who are entering the building from the parking lot.
Ms. Hyde asked if the returns will match the existing return colors on the building. Mr. Ryan answered yes.
Mr. Baldwin stated that it has been noted in the staff report that if the application is approved there will be 4 square feet left over for additional façade signage. He asked if the owner acts as a landlord who rents out space to tenants. Mr. Ryan answered yes. Mr. Baldwin asked how the landlord felt about the left over square footage. Mr. Ryan answered that they are aware of the calculation and understand that this will probably be the last sign on the building.
There being no further questions a motion was in order.
Mr. Layer made a motion that the request for approval of signage for Vienna Podiatry located at 527 Maple Avenue, E, (Docket No. BAR-104-07) be approved as submitted.
Motion: Layer
Second: Hyde
Carried: 4-0
ITEM NO. 2:
Request for approval of signage for Diamond Spa located at 108 Church Street, NE, (Docket No. BAR-02-08), in the C-1B Pedestrian Commercial zoning district; filed by James Moon, of Diamond Spa, Inc.
Mr. James Moon of Diamond Spa, Inc. came forward to present. Mr. Moon stated that they are requesting to install signage for their new store. He noted that there has been a change to the application. The sign will be ½” thick plywood material that will be painted rather than the originally proposed ¾” thickness. The sign will be painted in a white semi-gloss with blue lettering.
Chairman Lanphear stated that the application mentions wall mounted lighting. He asked if they have information regarding the lighting. Mr. Moon answered that he did not.
Ms. Hyde asked if they could indicate the location of the proposed lighting. Mr. Moon noted the location on the site plan. Ms. Hyde asked if the lights would be on the sign or above the signboard. Mr. Moon answered above the sign. He indicated that there will be three lights above the sign, noting their location on the rendering. Ms. Hyde asked for the proposed color of the lights. Mr. Moon answered that the material color is called Red Wine. Ms. Hyde stated that the Board would have to see a color sample to be sure of what the color looks like. She asked if the lettering that was submitted will be the same. Mr. Moon answered yes. Ms. Hyde stated that the Board does not have any measurements for the proposed height of the letters. She noted that they have been given the overall dimensions for the sign board but not the height and spacing for the sign letters. She explained that the Board would need to know this information in order to grant approval.
Mr. Baldwin asked staff if ½” plywood is an acceptable thickness for a sign. Ms. Fechter answered yes, explaining that a standard has not been set for plywood. The Board has only set standards for Plexiglas sign panels. Mr. Baldwin stated that he understood all that Mr. Moon has described for the Board. It is not necessarily fair for staff as they are left with the charge for enforcing what has been approved. They will not have anything on record with respect to proper samples and drawings, as they have not been submitted. As a result, he is not prepared to vote on an incomplete application. He asked that the applicant provide a final font design that notes the proposed size and spacing of the letters. The drawings should also include location and colors samples of proposed overhead lighting.
Mr. Layer stated that he is concerned about the proposed plywood material as it is a laminated glued material with edges that will be exposed to the weather. It has the potential for delaminating over a very short period of time. He stated that part of the charge of the Board is to be sure that the materials have integrity and last. He did not feel that the materials would last. Mr. Moon stated that they have had a lot of experience with the material and was confident with it. Mr. Layer stated that there are other materials that are available that are more impervious. He added that there is no detail in the rendering that depicts treatment for the edges that would prohibit water damage. He stated that he will not be able to vote in favor of the application as it has been submitted. Additional discussion followed.
There being no further questions a motion was in order.
Mr. Baldwin made a motion that the request for approval of signage for Diamond Spa located at 108 Church Street, NE, (Docket No. BAR-02-08), be deferred pending the submittal of a more complete application that will answer questions raised during discussion. Required information includes specifications on the treatment of the plywood edging and paint detail to be sure that it is exterior grade. Additionally, the Board requests that proposed light fixture information needs to be submitted. Information should include lighting detail, location and color samples. The new renderings should also include font size and spacing that is correctly scaled on the signboard.
Motion to Defer: Baldwin
Second: Hyde
Deferred: 4-0
ITEM NO. 3:
Request for approval of exterior modifications and signage for Green Hedges School located at 415 Windover Avenue, NW, (Docket No. BAR-03-08), in the RS-12.5 Single Family zoning district; filed by Tim Lovett, of Bowie Gridley Architects.
Mr. Steve Stotler of Bowie Gridley Architects came forward. Mr. Stotler stated that plans for the proposed renovations, additions and signage have been supplied to the Board. Mr. Stotler proceeded to present a slideshow of elevations of the proposed improvements to the site. Plans include renovation and addition to the existing Kilmer Hall, demolition of the existing carriage house and single-family house, a new underground athletic center, renovation to the existing playground and parking areas, and new freestanding sign. Samples of proposed materials and colors were passed around for the Board to review.
Mr. Stotler stated that they had tried to keep within the same character of the neighborhood with respect to materials. Materials include board siding, brick, white trim, and asphalt shingle roofing.
Chairman Lanphear asked if there are plans for landscaping. Mr. Stotler answered yes. He noted on the site plan proposed plantings for the site.
Mr. Layer asked if they could walk the Board through the proposed new plantings. Mr. Stotler noted the locations on the site plan where new plantings will be installed, along the road and at the entrance to the building. Everything else will remain the same. Mr. Layer asked how tall the roof height would be. Mr. Stotler answered that the new addition will be below thirty-five feet. Mr. Layer asked where the new lights would be located. Mr. Stotler explained that there would be new light bollards located around the walk area. They will be approximately thirty-two inches tall. He apologized that he did not have the “cut away” detail as of yet. Mr. Layer asked if there would be poll lights. Mr. Stotler answered no, explaining that there will be “can lights” located in the soffits along the porch. The intent is to have minimal exterior lights to keep the façade of the building clean.
Chairman Lanphear asked if they are proposing for one or two signs. Mr. Stotler answered that there will be one sign that will be located at the Nutley Street side.
Ms. Hyde asked for information regarding the proposed fence. Mr. Stotler noted where the fence would be located on the site plan. Ms. Hyde asked what type of fence that it will be. Mr. Stotler answered that it will be either a green or black vinyl chain link fence. Ms. Hyde thought that, according to the drawings, as the plantings matured the fence will be completely obscured. Mr. Stotler noted that the fence will be located on the playing side of the property.
Mr. Layer asked if the underground athletic center would be built one level below ground. Mr. Stotler answered yes. Mr. Layer asked if it will have a flat roof. Mr. Stotler explained that there will be playground overtop of the underground gym. The playground will be on a mulched area. The only piece that will be above ground is the stair tower for emergency egress. Mr. Layer asked if the stair tower would be one story. Mr. Stotler answered yes, that it will be low level, looking like a shed. Materials will be in brick with shingles on top. There will be wood lattice around to cover the mechanical unit.
Ms. Hyde stated that the applicants have done a marvelous job of addressing neighborhood concerns and school needs. She stated with respect to the landscaping plan she noted that the Board’s standard is 4 inch caliper for newly planted trees. Mr. Stotler agreed.
Mr. Baldwin asked that the applicant note the location of two of the trees to be removed. Mr. Stotler noted the location, stating that they are located in the playground area. Mr. Baldwin noted that it is shown on sheet 10, titled Landscape Plan. A brief discussion followed regarding the locations of the trees to be removed and where the new trees will be planted as shown on the landscape plan.
Mr. Baldwin noted that a total of twenty-four trees are to be planted. Mr. Stotler agreed, stating that they will be along the drive coming in, along Nutley Street, the front of the building, and around the stair tower. Mr. Baldwin stated that the design compliments the architecture of the Kilmer house, bringing it over in a more unified way to the new building. Mr. Stotler agreed. Mr. Baldwin asked if the parking lot would be expanded. Mr. Stotler answered no, explaining rather it will be “squared up.” Mr. Baldwin asked what the applicant meant by the term “re-organized front yard.” Mr. Stotler explained the new layout of reorganizing the front parking area and green space. Mr. Baldwin asked if there is already an existing sign for the school on Windover Avenue, NW. Mr. Stotler answered yes. Mr. Baldwin asked if the sign would remain. Mr. Stotler answered yes.
Chairman Lanphear asked for a description of the materials for the proposed stair tower. Mr. Stotler answered that it will be constructed in brick with wood stockade fence screening and asphalt shingles. He explained that the attempt was to not draw a lot of attention to it.
There being no further questions a motion was in order.
Ms. Hyde made a motion that the request for approval of exterior modifications and signage for Green Hedges School located at 415 Windover Avenue, NW, (Docket No. BAR-03-08), be approved with the stipulation that any replacement trees will be a minimum of 4 inch caliper and that the design spec sheet for the lighting bollards will be submitted to staff at their earliest convenience.
Motion: Hyde
Second: Layer
Carried: 4-0
NEW BUSINESS:
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 8:40.
Respectfully submitted by,
Jennifer M. Murphy
Board Clerk